Plate-handling machine.



No. 707,02. V Patented Aug. 19, I902.

n. R. SPEARS.

PLATE HANDLING MACHINE.

(Applicqtion filed June 29, 1901-) (No Model.) v 4 Sheets-Sheet l.

atloineq TN: mums warms co.. Puomuruq. wumumou. a, c.

(No Model.)

Patented Aug. 19, I902. R. n. SPEARS.

PL 'E HANDLING MACHINE.-

(Application flled June 29, 1801.)

4 Sheets-sheaf 2.

m: NORRIS PETERS co. PHOTO LITNO.. WASHINGTON, 0v :2.

, Patented Aug. l9, I902. R. n. SPEARS. PLATE HANDLING MACHINE.

(Application filed 311115.29, 1901.)

(No Model.) I 4 Sheets-Sheet a.

m: Nonms PETERS an. PuoTo-u'ma. WASNKNGTON. n. c.

No. 707,l72. Patented Aug. l9, I902.

' R. R. SPEARS. a

PLATE HANDLING MACHINE.

7 (Application filed June 29, 1901.) v (No Model.) 4 Sheets-Sheet 4-.

- UNITED STATES PATENT OFFICE.

RALPH R. SPEARS, OF WHEELING, WEST VIRGINIA.

PLATE-HANDLING MACHINE; I

SPECIFICATION forming part of Letters Patent No. 707,172,; dated".A ugust 19, 1902i Application filed June 29, 1901.

plating-bath and for delivering said plates at a point removed from the bath-as, for instance, the bran-box.

Inasmuch as my machine is designed with special reference to the handling of metal plates coated with tin in a molten bath, it may be stated that ordinarily tin-plating is effected by passing thin iron or steel plates between pressing-rolls submerged in'a bath of molten tin, upon the surface of which a heavy body of oil is floating. In manually removing the plates from the bath moreor less skill is required on the part of the operator, for the reason that the plate must not be forcibly-drawn away from the rolls, be-

cause in that event the plating would be imperfect, and, onthe other hand, as soon as the plate is released by the} rolls it must be promptly lifted from the bath to prevent-undue dripping, whichwould result in an ac-' cumulation of plating metal or tin at the lower edge of the plate. Furthermore, the fumes arising from the bath are noxious, and in consequence of the skill requiredin the manipulation of the plates and the injurious and disagreeable nature of the work the cost of labor is rendered a considerable item, dispro portion ate to the value of low-grade plates.

My present invention is therefore directed to the production of an automatic machine comprehending a series of carriers arranged for successive presentation above the bath and operated to lift the plates therefrom bymechanism automaticallybrought into action by the movement of thefplate fed upwardly between the pressing-rolls, the successive presentation of the carriers into position to receive the plates being automatically effected by mechanism brought into operation by the elevation of the carrier as the latter is operated to remove a plate preparatory toits sealant. 66,574; a. model.)

transference from a point above the bath to the point of delivery as', forinstance, above i the bran-box. This arrangement of the mechanism renders theentire apparatus dependent for its operation upon the plate, so that while the latter is not drawn away from the rolls with undue force it is promptly lifted from the bath at the proper time and is then transferred to the point of'delivery simultaneously with the presentation of another carrier in positionto receive the next succeeding plate.

. The present embodimentof the invention also contemplates carrier-elevating mechanismwhich, while serving to positively elevate the carriers, is automatically rendered inoperative in the event of undue resistance betomatically and the handling of the plates will be proceeded-with.

My present invention also contemplates the provision of means for causing the carriers to remain in their elevated positions except against slipping out of engagement with the carrier after such engagement has once been effected.

' "Further and subordinate objects of the invention and certain other novel features thereof will hereinafter more fully appear as the succeeding description of the preferred form of myinvention is developed;

In the accompanying drawings, Figure-1 is a top plan view of my,plate-handlingmachine upper edge of the metal plate emerging fromthe bath, the elevated position of the engaged carrier being shown in dotted lines. Fig. 4 is a front elevation of the machine, showing one of the carriers in section and another of said carriers broken away, the grippers of the third carrier being shown in the act of releasing a plate. Figs. 5 and 6 are sectional views, partly in elevation, of the mechanism for throwing the pinions into or out of engagement with the driving-shaft; and Figs. 7 and 8 are detail views of the pivoted trip designed to efiect the automatic disconnection of the carrier-ring from the power mechanism.

Like numerals of reference are employed to designate corresponding parts throughout the several views.

The production of what are known commercially as tin plates is effected ordinarily by passing thin plates of iron or steel through a molten bath of tin, upon the surface of which is floating a heavy layer of oil. Submerged in the bath are suitable pressingrolls, between which the coated plates pass as they are fed upwardly out of the bath. These rolls serve to remove the surplus coating of plating metal from the plate and incidentally propel or feed the latter at the speed best calculated to attain the desired results. In Fig. 3 of the drawings I have illustrated a plate in the act of leaving the bath, the numeral 1 indicating the bath-tank; 2, the bath; 3, the pressing-rolls, and 4.- the plate. The plate-handling machine constituting an embodiment of my present invention is located adjacent to the tank, at one side thereof, and is designed, as stated, to automatically remove the plates 4 from the bath and transport them to the bran-box or other removed point,where they are an tomatically delivered.

The machine comprises a substantially circular frame or bed-plate 5, upon which is rotatably mounted a carrier-ring 6, supporting a series of pivoted arms or carriers 7, 8, and 9, designed to be successively presented over the bath-tank 1 by the rotation of the ring 6. This ring 6 is seated in a circular cavity 10, formed in the frame or bed-plate 5, and is retained in place by a cap-ring 11, secured to the frame 5 by bolts or other suitable fastening means 12, and the rotation of said ring is effected by means of adriving-shaft 13, geared theretoas, for instance, by means of a pinion 14, carried by the shaft and meshing with a ring gear or crown 15, formed on the under side of the ring 6, said pinion being of proper size to complete one revolution during each replacement of a carrier. The driving-shaft 13 is journaled in suitable bearings 16 and 17, located below and preferably secured to the frame or bed-plate 5, which latter is cut out, as indicated in Fig. 3 of the drawings, to accommodate the pinion 14, geared to the carrier-ring.

The rotary movement of the carrier-ring 6 to successively present the several carriers above the bath-tank 1 is necessarily intermittent, and as the proper timing of this movement is controlled by the individual movement of the carrier located above the tank I shall first describe the construction and operation of the carriers proper and will then explain the construction and arrangement of the mechanism controlled by the individual carriers to effect the intermittent movement of the carrierring necessary to cause the successive presentation of the carriers to their positions over the bath. In Fig. 3 of the drawings one of the carriers and its operating mechanism is clearly shown, and I shall therefore describe this carrier in detail, it being understood that the several other carriers are similarly constructed and operated and are equidistantly spaced upon the carrier-ring. The carrier 7 is in the form of an elongated arm or rod fnlcrumed adjacent to its inner or rear end, as indicated at 18, between a pair of upstanding angle-brackets 19, the foot-flanges of which are bolted to the upper surface of the ring 6 adjacent to its outer edge. At its free end this arm or carrier is provided with a fixed gripper 20 and a pivoted gripper 21, longitudinally curved to form a flaring entrance and designed to grip the upper edge of the plate 4: to enable the carrier to lift the plate from the bath as soon as the latter has been released by the pressingrolls 3. The specific form of the pivoted gripper 21 may be varied within wide limits, but by preference its upper end is disposed at an angle to the gripper proper and is bifurcated (see Fig. 1) for the reception of an interposed bearing 22, formed on the carrier-arm. This upper end of the pivoted gripper, or, rather, the angular extension thereof, is thickened somewhat and constitutes a weight 23, serving normally to retain the pivoted gripper in position to permit the reception of a plate between the grippers-that is to say, the weight 23 normally retains the grippers in the open position. It will be understood, however, that after the plate has been presented between the grippers the latter must be urged together with considerable force in order that the plate may be held with sufficient security to insure its elevation from the bath when the carrier is swung upwardly by the mechanism to be described. I therefore provide a gripper-closing device, comprising a gripper-can] 24, pivoted upon an angular extension 25 of the arm 7 and fixed to an arm 26, provided with an adjustable weight 27. The weighted arm 26 is designed to operate the cam 24, which latter, acting upon the adjacent concaved face of the pivoted gripper 21, urges the latter with sufficient pressure to overcome the resistance of the weight 23 and to cause the upper edge of the plate to be securely clamped between the grippers.

As the carrier-ring is rotated to present a carrier over the bath-tank the lateral movement of said carrier presents the Weighted arm 26 to an inclined trip 28, suitably supported above the bath, as indicated in Fig. 3, and as the lateral movement of the carrier the outer end of the carrier.

continues the arm 26, riding up the trip 28, will withdraw the cam 24 from the pivoted gripper 21 to permit the latter to move to its open-position under the impulse of the gripper-weight 23. Therefore When the carrier comes to rest above-the tank in position to receive a plate the grippers will be separated and the arm 26 of the cam will be supported upon the trip. t r

- Inasmuch as the feed of the plates 4 from the bath is under some conditions more or less irregular,it is undesirable to provide for the regular timing of the several operations of the plate-handling machine, because in this event the carrier located in position to receive a plate might, perchance, be elevatedbefore the plate had reached a positionto be held between the grippers. I therefore construct the machine in a manner to make itsoperation dependent upon the plate, the movement of the latter as it is'delivered from the bath serving, first, to

secure-theautomatic closing of v the grippers upon the plate, and next, to start the mechanism for elevating the carrier to-lift the plate completelyfrom, the bath. Thus, as-

suming the parts to be in the position indicated in Fig. 3, the upward'movement of the plate 4 from the bath presents itsupper edge between the grippers, and as said edge finally comes in contact with the opposed faces of retention of the plate in order that the latter may be raised out of the bath and transported to a remote point without danger of displacement.

After automatically efiecting the closin g ofthe grippers the continued upward movement of the plate will present the arcuate bearingface 29 ofa segment 30at the-rear extremity of the carrier into frictional engagement with the friction-wheel 31 of the-carrier-elevating mechanism, and as this wheel is positively driven in the direction-of the arrow in Fig. 3 the outer end of the carrierwill be elevated to withdraw the plate 4entire1y from the bath preparatory to its lateral transportation through the rotation of the carrier-ring 6. At this point it should be noted that as the engagement between the carrier and its elevating mechanism is frictional a-ny undue resistance to the upwardimovement of the plate 4 sufiicient to overcome the frictional contact between the carrier and its elevating mechanism will result in the stoppage of the carrier and all danger-of the forcible Withdrawal of the platefrom the pressing-rolls,

the disengagement of the plate from the grippers, or the derangementlof the mechanism will be prevented. In theevent of: suchin- The upward cru med at its angleupon-the shaft 32.- long arm 40 of this lever or frame extends upwardly from the shaft 32 t-hrough'a central or axial open'ing'41 in the machine-frame or bed-plate 5 and' supports" at its upper free 1 end the wheel 31, while 'theopposite or short-- arm 42 of thebell-crank frame 39' extends bearing-face 29 of the adjacent carrier.

terruption of the operation'of elevating theplate the frictionwheel31 will rotateiidlyiin contact with the bearing-face 29 until the resistancei opposed to the upward movement of the plate 4- is sufficiently decreased, at which" time the movement of the carrier? will be continued and the plate will be withdrawn from the bath-tank' I The carrier-elevating mechanism comprehends 'a power-transmitting shafti32,- jour-- naled in suitable bearings 33,"pendent from the frame, and keyed tosaid shaft is'a wormgear 34,-in mesh with a worm35'onthe driving shaft13. Motion i's'communicated from the shaft 32 to the friction-wheel'3lby means of suitable gearingas, for instance, a sprocketwheel 36, keyed upon the shaft 32 and geared,

by means of a sprocket-chain 37, with 'asprocket-wheel 38, disposed at one side of the friction-wheel 31 and secured thereto in any suitable'man'ner; The driving-shaft 13 is de-' signed to be continuously operated, and the friction wheel 30 of the carrier elevating mechanism'will therefore constantly rotate, but will not, as we have seen,'b'e effective to elevate a carrier until thelatter has been vide a plate-handling machine of the character described with mechanism by means of which the machine maybe set' to provide for the interruption of the elevation of the car rier when'its operation is opposed by various resistances-that is to say, u nder some con ditions it is desirable to render the 1nechanism comparatively sensitive, so that comparatively slight resistance to the upward move ment of the plate from the bath will effect the 1 interruption of the movement of the carrier,

while under other conditionsit is desirable that the operation of the devicebe interrupted only in the event of considerable re-- sistance being opposed thereto by-the plate.

For this; reason theshaft of thefriction-- wheel 31 of the carrier-elevatingmechanism is journaled in a movable-frame 39, preferably inthe form of a bell-crank lever, fulthrown into engagement therewith-by theini horizontally under the machine and is connected with suitable tension mechanism '43,

opposing the swinging of the frame 39 and the recession of the wheel 31 from the arcuate The tension mechanism 43 is a reactive device, preferably in the form of a spring; se5

cured at oneend 'to theunder'sideof the frame 5 for, the machine and atiits opposite end to an endwise adjustable eyebolt 44, passed through the arm 42 and provided upon its lower end with a nut 45, by means of which the tension of the spring may be adj usted. It will therefore appear that the friction -wheel 31 of the carrier elevating mechanism is urged into contact with the adjacent arcuate bearing-face of the carrier by yielding tension mechanism adjustable to increase or diminish the frictional contact between the parts, so that the operator may determine the degree of resistance to the elevation of the carrier necessary to effect the automatic interruption of such movement.

We have now seen the manner in which the initial movement of the plate 4 as it emerges from the bath effects the automatic closing of the grippers and the bringing of the carrier-elevating mechanism into operation; also, in what manner provision is made for positively elevating the carrier subsequently to the initial elevation of the plate by the pressing-rolls and for interrupting such elevation in the event of the opposing of undue resistance to such movement. It has also been premised that the simultaneous movement of the several carriers to present them successively at the receiving and delivering points is effected by the intermittent rotation of the ring 6, and I shall now proceed to describe the mechanism by means of which this intermittent movement of the carrier-ring is automatically inaugurated by a loaded carrier and is automatically discontinued when the next carrier has reached a point above the bath.

The pinion 14 is loosely mounted on the shaft 13, and to its hub is secured by any suitable means a sleeve 46, encircling a collar 47, keyed upon the shaft and provided with a series of peripheral teeth 48, designed to be engaged bya spring-pressed pawl 49, mounted for reciprocation within a cylindrical pawlcasing 50, tapped into the sleeve 46 and provided with diametrically opposite longitudinal slots 51 for the reception of the opposite ends of the pin 52, passing through the pawl and having one end extended beyond the pawl-casing to form a stud or projection 53 for a purpose to be described. The teeth 48 are not continued entirely around the collar, for the obvious reason that said collar is always in substantially the same position when engaged by the pawl. The pawl 49 is pressed inwardly toward the collar 47 by the spring 54, the tension of which is regulated by a screw-plug 55 closing the upper end of the casing 50. When the pawl 49 is in its depressed position, as shown in Figs. 5 and 6, it engages the teeth in the collar 47 and effects an operative connection between said collar and the pinion 14 through the sleeve 46. Therefore when the pawl is depressed the carrier-ring 6 will be rotated to transport the carriers simultaneously from one point to another. The intermittent rotation of the carrier-ring is designed, however, to cease employ a swinging trip member 56, (see Figs.

2, 3, 7, and 8,) pivoted upon the bearing 16 and provided with a pawl-retracting cam 57, at the rear end of which is disposed a stoplug 58, against which the projecting end 56 of the pin 52 abuts after the pin has moved over the cam 57 to effect the retraction of the pawl 49 from engagement with the collar 47.

Thus as the driving-shaft 13,the pinion 14, the sleeve 46, and collar 47 rotate in unison to drive the carrier-ring 6 the carrier will be advanced over the tank 1 to receive a plate 4, and just as the carrier reaches its position to receive said plate the projecting end 53 of the pawl-pin will ride up the pawl-retracting cam to disconnect the pinion 14 from the driving-shaft, and thereby arrest the movement of the carrier-ring 6, the interposition of the stop 58 in the path of the pin serving to prevent the momentum gained by the carrier-ring 6 from moving the carrier beyond its proper position after the ring has been disconnected from the driving-shaft. It will now be obvious that in order to start the carrier-ring again it is simply necessary to swing the trip member 56 to the dotted position shown in Fig. 3 for the purpose of retracting the cam 57 from under the projecting end of the pawl-pin to permitthe pawl to again drop into engagement with the collar 47, rotating with the driving-shaft.

I have stated that the movement of the carrier-ring is controlled by the individual carriers, which are designed to automatically start the ring when a loaded carrier has reached its elevated position. A simple device for eifecting this operative connection between the carriers and the driving mechanism therefor comprehends a trip-lug 59, extending from the carrier adjacent to its rear end and designed when said carrier reaches its elevated position to strike against the angular extremity 60 of the stop-ring 56 and to swing said member rearwardly against the resistance of the spring 61 to release the pawl. It will therefore be impossible for the machine to be operated to move the carriers laterally,or rather,horizontally, until the loaded carrier has reached its elevated position, and the accidental movement of the carrier-ring before the carrier has fully retracted the plate from the bath and above the tank will be prevented. The device as thus far described is completely operative, since it comprehends mechanism for engaging a plate, for lifting it from the molten bath, and for transporting it to the point of delivery, where it is automatically released by a trip 62, similar to the trip 28 and likewise designed to elevate the weighted arm 26 of the gripper-cam 24; but as a the bath unless the resistance to the movelarge number of machines of this character are usually employed in a plant economy of space is a desideratum, and I therefore prefer to employ means for holding the carriers in their upright positions, except at those points where the plates are received and delivered. One form of such means is shown in the drawings and comprehends an upstanding carrier-supporting cam-flange 63,cut away at the front of the machine, as best seen in Fig. 4, and formed ,at one side of the cut-away portion with an abruptly-inclined face 64, down which the carrier gravitates j ust before reaching its position over the bath and with such rapidity as to elevate the rear end of the carrier out of the way of the friction-wheel 31 before the carrier is swung toa position directly opposite the peripheryof said wheel. Opposite the point of delivery the cam-flange is provided with a depression 66, defined between two oppositely-inclined cam-faces 67 and 68, and each of the carriers is provided 'Withan antifriction-roller 69, designed to travel along the upper edge of thecam-fiange 63;

In brief; the operation of my device is as follows: Assuming the parts to be in the pos'itions indicated in Fig. 3 of the drawings,

the plate 4 emerging from the bath will en- 4 gage the grippers, and its upward movement will first effect the closing of the grippers by withdrawing the arm 26 from the trip 28 and will then elevate the carrier 7 sufficiently to now swing the carrier upon 'its fulcrumto continue the withdrawal of the plate5 from ment of said plate is sufficient to overcome the frictional contact between the carrierand its elevating mechanism. The continued elevation of the carrier will dispose it in an upright position, as indicated in Fig. 2 of the drawings, and will present the trip-lug 57 to the pivotal trip 56 and swing the latter to release the pawl 49, and thereby effect an'operative engagement between the wcarrier-trans- 'ferring mechanism and thedriving mechanism. The carrier-ri'ng comprehending the primary element of the carrier-transferring mechanism will now be rotated to transfer the loaded carrier from a point above the bath to the point of delivery, During this movementof the ring the antifrictional roller 69 of the carrier 7 will ride upon the upper edge of the cam-flange 63, and as the bearing-face 29 of the carrier will now have moved out of en will have contacted with and moved up the trip 62, and the plate will be released and per-' Thecarrier elevating mechanism being constantly operated will have moved down thelatter, assuming the position which Lhe'carrior 7'oceupies in Fig.

3, the downwardmovement of its free end being limited by a suitable rest 70, supported, for instance, upon the tank 1. During the travel of'the carriers from the upper end of .the inclined face 68 to the inclinedface 64 saidcarriers will be maintained in their upright positions, and it will thus appear that while space is economized by transferring the carriers in their upstanding or nprightpositions provision is made for lowering the carriers to their depressed positions at the receiving'and delivering points and for their elevation after they h'avereceived or delivered aplate, as the case may be. It'is thought that 'fro'mthe foregoing the construction and operation of my machine willbe clearly apparent; but while the present embodiment of the invention is believed at this time to be preferable I desire to reserve tions, and variations of theillustrated' structure as may be suggested by experience and experiment and embraced within thescope of the protection prayed.

What I claim is 1. In aplate-handling machine of the'character described, the combination with a support, of a plurality of plate-carriers movable "therewith, and provided with grippingde- -vices for engaging the edge of'a plate, and

means for imparting intermittent movement to said support to effect the successive presentation of the carriers. in position to receive aplate." I

2. In a plate-handling machine of the character described, the combination with a movable support, of a plate-carrier movable there with, and 'independentlyfmovable thereon,

and means controlled by'th'e independent 3. In a plate-handling machine of the character described, the combination with a "vert-he right to effect such changes, modi'fica-' movement of the plate-carrier for effecting I the movement of the support.

tically-movableplate-carrier arranged to lift a plate from a bath, ofcarrier-transferring mechanism for moving the carrier horizonmovable thereon, and means controlled by a V I I the individual movement of the carrier for eifecting the intermittent movement of the support.

5. In a plate-handling machine of the character described, the combination with a movable support, of an independentlymovable plate-carrier mounted thereon, and equipped with a gripping device disposed to grip the edge of a plate, means for effecting the independent movement of the plate-carrier, and means for operating the support to transfer the carrier from the receiving-point to the point of delivery.

6. In a plate-handling machine of the character described, the combination with a movable support, of a plate-carrier independently movable thereon, means for imparting independent movement to the plate-carrier, and means for moving the support to transfer the carrier from the receiving-point to the point of delivery, said last-named means being controlled by the independent movement of the carrier.

7. In a plate-handling machine of the ch aracter described, the combination with a movable support, ofa pivoted plate-carrier mounted thereon, means for swinging said platecarrier upon its pivot to lift a plate from the bath, and means for moving the support to transfer the carrier to the point of delivery.

8. In a plate-handling machine of the character described, the combination with a movable support, and a swinging plate-carrier movable therewith, of driving mechanism, gearing intermediate of the driving mechanism and carrier, to swing the latter for the purpose of lifting a plate from the bath, and independent gearing between the driving mechanism and support for moving the latter to transfer-the carrier to the point of delivery.

9. In a plate-handling machine of the character described, the combination with a mov able support and a plate-carrier mounted thereon for independent movement, of driving mechanism, a trip device controlling the operative connection between the driving mechanism and support, and means for operating said trip device through the independent movement of the carrier.

10. In aplate-handling machine of the character described, the combination with a movable support, driving mechanism and a trip device controlling the operative engagement between the driving mechanism and support, of a swinging plate-carrier mounted on the support and arranged to operate the trip device, and means for swinging said carrier.

11. Inaplate-handlingmachineofthecharacter described, the combination with a movable support, of a plurality of independentlymovable plate-carriers movable therewith, and means for imparting an intermittent movement to the support to effect the suc cessive presentation of the carriersin position to receive a plate.

12. In a plate-handlin g machine of the character described, the combination with an intermittently-movable support and operating mechanism therefor, of a plurality of platecarriers movable with the support to effect the successive presentation of said carriers in position to receive a plate, and means for elevating said carriers to lift the plate from the bath.

13. In a plate-handling machine of the character described, the combination with an in-.

termittently-movable support, and means for imparting such movement thereto, of a plurality of plate-carriers movable with the support and capable of independent movement thereon, said plate-carriers being designed for successive presentation in position to receive a plate by the intermittent movement of the support, and carrier-elevating mechanism located opposite the receiving-point for presentation to the carriers successively.

14. In a plate-handling machine of the character described, the combination with an intermittently-movable support, a trip device controlling the movement thereof and means for moving said support, of a plurality of carriers movable with the support and capable of movement independently thereof, means for operating the trip device by each of the carriers successively to effect the intermittent movementof the support, and means for successively elevating the carriers to cause them to withdraw the plates from the bath.

15. Inaplate-handlingmachineofthecharacter described, the combination with a movable carrier designed to engage and remove a moving plate from the bath, of carrier-operating mechanism disposed to be engaged by the carrier through the initial movement of the latter under the impulse of the moving plate.

16. In aplate-handling machine of the character described,the combination with a swing ing plate carrier disposed for engagement with a moving plate,of carrier-elevating mechanism arranged in the path of the carrier and designed for operative engagement therewith, as the carrier is swung under the impulse of the moving plate.

17. In a plate-handling machine of the char-,

acter described, the combination with a movable platecarrier, and carrier-operating mechanism for moving the carrier to remove a plate, of means for effecting the operative disconnection of the plate-carrier from its operating mechanism when undue resistance is opposed to the movement of the carrier.

18. In a plate-handling machine of the character described, the combination with a movable plate-carrier, of carrier-operating mechanism in frictional engagement therewith, whereby the movement of the carrier will be stopped when undue resistance is opposed thereto, said carrieroperating mechanism serving to move the carrier for the purpose of withdrawing the plate from the bath.

19. In a plate-handling machine of the character described, the combination with a movable plate-carrier, of carrier-operating mechanism comprising a friction-wheel having frictional contact with the carrier to operate the same, and means for yieldingly urging saidelements into frictional engagement, said carrier-operating mechanism serving to move the carrier for the purpose of withdrawing the plate from the bath.

20. In a plate-handling machine ofthecharacter described,the combination with a swinging plate-carrier, of carrier-elevating mechanism comprising a friction-wheel disposed for contact with the carrier to elevate the same, and adjustable tension mechanism for yieldingly urging the friction-wheel into contact with the carrier. I

21. In aplate-handling machine of the character described, the combination with aswi nging plate-carrier, provided with a segment having an arcuate bearing-face, of carrierelevating mechanism comprising a movable frame, a friction-wheel mounted on the frame anddisposed forv engagement with the bearing-face of the carrier, means for'rotating said wheel to effect the elevation of the carrier, and tension mechanism connected to the frame. l p

22. In a plate-handling machine of the character described, the combination with a movable support, driving mechanism and means for efiecting the intermittent engagement of the support with the driving mechanism, of a swinging plate-carrier mounted upon the support, a friction-wheel disposed to contact withthe carrier to effect the swinging thereof, and gearing intermediate of the driving mechanism and said friction-wheel.

23. In a plate-handling machine of the character described, the combination with a movable support, driving mechanism, and means for efiecting the intermittent engagement of the driving mechanism with the support, of

a swinging plate-carrier mounted on the support and provided with an arcuate bearingface, a friction-wheel disposed to engage with said bearing-face, amovable frame supporting said wheel, tension mechanism for urging the friction-wheel into engagement with the carrier, and gearing intermediate of the friction-wheel and driving mechanism.

24. In a plate-handling machine of the character described, the com binationwith a frame and a carrier-ring rotatably mounted thereon, of a plurality of plate-carriers mounted upon the carrier-ring, and means for imparting an intermittent movement to the ring to effect the successive presentation of the carriers in position to receive a plate.

25. In a plate-handling machine of the character described, the combination with a supporting-frame, of a carrier-ring rotatably mounted thereon, a plurality "of independently-movable carriers mounted upon the ring, means controlled by the carriers for imparting intermittent movement to the carrierring, and means for imparting independent movement to the carriers. 7

26. In a plate-handling machine of the character described, the combination with a supvPier-ring.

porting-frame, of a carrier-ring rotatably mounted thereon, plate-carriers supported, by

the ring and disposed radial-ly'with respect thereto, and means for rotating the carrierring to efiect the successive presentation of the carriers in position to receive a plate.

27. In a plate-handling machine of the ch arw actor described, the combination with a supporting-frame, and a, carrier-ring rotatably mounted thereon, of a series of swinging radially-disposed plate-carriers mounted onthe ring for movement therewith, means for successively elevating the plate-carriers, and means forintermittently operating the car- 28. In a plate-handling machineof the character described, the combination with a carrier-ring'and plate-carriers mounted thereon, of a driving-shaft, a pinion loosely mounted on said shaft for engagement with the carrier-ring, a pawl for efiecting an operative engagement between the pinion and shaft, and means for automatically operating the pawl intermittently to effect the intermittent operation of the carrier-ring. v

29. In a plate-handling machine of the char acter described, the combination with acarrier-ring,and plate carriers mounted thereon, of a driving-shaft, a pinion mounted loosely on the shaft and disposed to engage the carrier-ring, a pawl arranged to edect an -oper-. ative engagement between the pinion and the driving-shaft and provided with a projection,

and a pivoted trip provided with a'cam dethe purpose of operating the pawl to release the pinion from the driving-shafasaid pivoted trip being disposed for actuation by a plate-carrier to permit the pawl tomove to its engaging position. i

31. In a plate-handling machine of the character described, the combination withla carrier-ring, and plate-carriers thereon, of driving mechanism, a spring-pressed pawl con-' trolling the engagement of the driving mocha I I anism with the carrier-ring, said'pawl being provided with a pawl-elevating cam and'a stop-flange located atone end of the cam, and means for swinging the trip out of engagement with the projection through the movement of a carrier. 7 1 1 provided with a projection, a pivoted trip 32. Ina plate-handling machine of the character described, the combinationwitha carrier-ring and plate-carriers mounted thereon,

of a driving-shaft, a pinion loosely mounted on the shaft and disposed to engage the carrier-ring, a sleeve fixed to the pinion, a springpressed pawl carried by the sleeve, a toothed collar fixed to the driving-shaft and disposed for engagement with the pawl, and means for operating the pawl to effect its engagement with and disengagement from said collar.

33. In a plate-handling machine of the character described, the combination with a movable support and a pivoted plate carrier mounted thereon, of means for swinging said carrier to an upright position, and means for sustaining said carrier in its upright position except at the receiving-point and the point of delivery.

34. In a plate-handling machine of the character described, the combination with a supporting-frame,and an npstandiugcam-flange, of a rotarycarrier-riug mounted on the frame, and a plurality of swinging plate carriers movable with the ring and resting on the camflange.

35. In aplate-handling machine of the character described, the combination with a supporting-frame and a cam-flange upstanding therefrom, said flange being cut away and provided with an abrupt inclined face adjacent to the receiving-point and provided with a depression defined by oppositely-disposed inclined faces opposite the delivering-point, a carrier-ring rotatably mounted upon said frame, swinging plate-carriers movable with the carrier-ring and designed to rest upon the cam-flange during the travel of the carrierring,and carrier-elevating mechanism located opposite the receiving-point.

36. In a plate-handling machine of the character described, the combination with a movable plate-carrier, of a pair of relatively movable grippers, a movable cam disposed to urge the grippers together, and means for operating the cam.

37. In aplate-handling machine of the character described, the combination with a platecarrier and relatively movable grippers, of a cam disposed to urge one of the grippers toward the other, and a weighted arm connected to said cam to move the same.

38. In a plate-handling machine of the character described, the combination with a movable plate-carrier provided with grippers, of a cam disposed to urge the grippers together, and means for automatically operating the cam through the movement of the carrier.

39. In a plate-handling machine of the character described, the combination with an intermittently-moving support and a plate-carrier provided with a fixed gripper and with a movable gripper, said movable gripper being provided with a weight disposed to urge it to its open position, of means for moving said movable gripper toward the fixed gripper in opposition to the weight.

40. In aplate-handling machine of the character described, the combination with a platecarrier provided with a fixed gripper and with a movable gripper, said movable gripper being provided with a weight disposed to move it to its open position, acam opposed to the movable gripper to move said gripper to its closed position, and a weighted arm connected to the cam to operate the same.

41.. In a plate-handling machine of the character described, the combination with a support, of a movable plate-carrier provided with grippers designed to engage a moving plate emerging from the bath, carrierelevating mechanism, means for automatically closing the grippers through the movement of the plate to be handled, and means for eifecting an operative connection between the carrier and carrier-elevating mechanism through the continued movement of the plate after the closing of the grippers.

42. In a plate-handling machine of the character described, the combination with a supporting-arm, of a movable plate-carrier provided with grippers designed to engage a moving plate emerging from the bath, carrier-elevating mechanism, means for automatically closing the grippers through the movement of the plate to be handled, means for effecting an operative connection between the carrier and carrier-elevating mechanism through the continued movement of the plate after the closing of the grippers, transferring mechanism for transferring the carriers from the receiving-point to the point of delivery, and means for starting said transferring mechanism through the movement of the carrier under the impulse of the carrier-elevating mechanism.

43. In aplate-handlingmachine of the characterdescribed,the combination with a rotary support,of a plurality of plate-carriers mounted on the support for movement therewith as the support is rotated, said carriers being also mounted for movement independently of the support to lift a plate from the bath while the support is at rest, and means for rotating the support to present the carriers successively in the receiving position.

44. In a plate-handling machine of the character described, the combination with a movable support, of a plurality of independentlyswinging plate-carriers mounted on the support for movement therewith, means for swinging the carriers to effect their elevation for the purpose of lifting the plates from the bath, and means for moving the support to effect the successive presentation of the carriers to the receiving-point.

45. In a plate-handling machine of the characterdescribed, the combination with a rotary support, of a plurality of plate-carriers independently pivoted upon said support and disposed radially with respect thereto, means for effecting the independent swinging of the carriers, and means for rotating the support to present the carriers successively at the receiving-point.

46. In a plate-handling machine of the character described, the combination with a movable support, of a plurality of independentlyswinging plate-carriers mounted thereon, and grippers mounted at the outer ends of the said carriers to engage the'plates, saidplates being first elevated by the swinging of the;

carriers and subsequently transferred by the movement of the support.

47. In a plate-handling machine of the character described, the combination with a movable support, and means for moving the same,

of a plurality of independentlyswinging plate-carriers provided with grippers and mounted on the support for movement therewith, and means operated bythe carriers for effecting the movement ofthe support.

support.

48. In a plate-handling machine'of the character described, the combination witha support mounted to rotate around a vertical axis,

In testimony that I claim theforegoing as my own I havehereto'aifixed my signature in the presence of two witnesses.

RALPH B; SPEARS. 1 Witnesses:

JAMES H. RIDDLE, J r., LAVINIA M. CARROLL. 

